Ontario partners with First Nations for new Northern Ontario hydro project
By Abdul Matin Sarfraz Local Journalism Initiative Electricity demand continues to rise in Northern Ontario, the provincial government is partnering with two First Nations to explore two new hydroelectric generating stations. If approved, the Nine Mile Rapids and Grand Rapids generating station projects could produce a combined 430 mw of clean energy — enough to power approximately 430,000 homes, said Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce at a press conference on Wednesday. The projects would contribute to the province’s strategy to boost clean energy capacity while supporting economic growth in the north, he added. “By working together in the face of unjustified attacks from President Trump, Ontario will generate all the affordable electricity we need within our own borders, now and well into the future,” Lecce said, calling the...
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Brantford Police say counterfeit currency continues to circulate in city
BRANTFORD,ONT-The Brantford Police have issued an additional advisory to Brantford businesses and residents after reports continue to be received regarding counterfeit money circulating within Brantford. So far this year Brantford police said they have received 52 reports of counterfeit Canadian bills used at various businesses. Five people have been charged by BPS for using counterfeit bills in 2025. Most of the incidents have involved Canadian bills of $100.00 and $50.00. Similar serial numbers on the $100.00 bills appear to have been circulating across other jurisdictions in Canada. Common serial numbers on the $100.00 bill are, GRJ6710018, GRJ6710019, GRJ6710020, GRJ6710020, GRJ6710021, and GRJ6710022. The counterfeit bills seen in circulation have a holographic window strip on the bill with the word, “Prop Money.” Some of these bills have other obvious signs...
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Four-way battle for Nunavik’s riding in federal election
By Cedric Gallant, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News A four-way race is shaping up in the Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou riding in the April 28 federal election. Quebec’s largest riding — and the third-largest in Canada — includes the region of Abitibi, which is predominantly populated by non-Indigenous Québécois; the Cree region of Eeyou-Istchee; and the Inuit region of Nunavik. Incumbent Sylvie Bérubé is running again for the Bloc Québécois. First elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021, she has committed to spending more time in Nunavik and working directly with Indigenous communities. In her time as MP, Bérubé visited Nunavik twice. During her first trip, in 2022, she visited Aupaluk for a day. Her second visit was a three-day stop in Kuujjuaq in January 2024, where she met with representatives from...
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Poilievre promises to ban bail, parole and house arrest for repeat serious offenders
By Anja Karadeglija Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre insisted Wednesday that his promised three-strikes law wouldn’t run afoul of the Constitution, after several justice experts said some of his crime policies are likely to get struck down by the courts. Poilievre was campaigning in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. where he repeated his promise that a government led by him would make those convicted three times of “serious” offences ineligible for bail, probation, parole or house arrest. Those offenders also would be sentenced to a minimum prison term of 10 years and could get a life sentence. They could not “be released until they have proven that they are no longer a danger to society,” he said. “Under my watch, the only way for repeat offenders to obtain their freedom will be...
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As Canada is threatened, it’s urgent to revisit Indigenous sovereignty and nationhood
By Frank Deer, Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba Early in his second term as president of the United States, Donald Trump began making explicit threats about Canada becoming the 51st American state. In the midst of his absurd and at times disrespectful rhetoric that’s also included a proposal to acquire Greenland and the Gaza Strip, some have argued Trump’s interest in annexing Canada is an imperialistic impulse. As a Kanienʼkehá꞉ka educator concerned with Indigenous language education, civic education and reconciliation, I believe it’s important to explore how Canadians should think about Indigenous nationhood with Canada’s sovereignty under threat. I also believe a U.S. annexation of Canada would be devastating for Indigenous Peoples. Re-asserting Canadian nationhood amid threats Trump has stated that Canada can be annexed through economic force...
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In the rush for Canada’s critical minerals, Indigenous rights and sovereignty are being ignored
By Jon Thompson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Ricochet A First Nation chief in northwestern Ontario says political rhetoric about running roughshod over Indigenous consultation to fast-track mining and other extraction projects is emboldening an abusive approach to resource engagement. Onigaming Chief Jeff Copenace says his community “fundamentally opposes” a proposed gold mine and warns that the development “will be opposed at any cost necessary including peaceful protest and direct action.” In a March 22 email, Golden Rapture Mining president Richard Rivet sent an email to Onigaming First Nation leaders, informing them that Ontario officials would soon deliver the company’s “enviro-friendly exploration plan” for its Phillips Township Gold Property.Onigaming Chief Jeff Copenace said a number of representatives from the junior mining company had reached out over the month regarding exploration and...
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Alberta school division pulls group Jordan’s Principle application, after changes to criteria Slugline: LJI-AB-JORDANS-PRINCPLE Source: Local Journalism Initiative Published: 09/04/2025 14:05 New item for followed topic: First Nations Category: Spare News Word count: 791 View this item in your account: https://cpnewspro.com/wire?item=urn%3Anewsml%3Alji-api.superdesk.pro%3A2025-04-07T16%3A29%3A56.491580%3A1426f320-11d4-402a-92a8-1444d2bdb75c By Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader Pearl Lorentzen Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Peace River School Division has around 30 per cent Indigenous students. Some may receive additional education support through individual Jordan’s Principle grants. However, in the fall of 2024 the division applied for a group grant to support 850 self-identified Indigenous students through a division-wide program. The grant process stalled, with rumblings of changes over the winter. On February 10, Indigenous Services Canada sent a 10-page document with clarifications on criteria. Administration looked at the criteria, says Jeff Thompson, PRSD superintendent. There were a few that would be very difficult for the division to meet, so within a few days of receiving the letter, the division pulled the application. “We’re disappointed for sure,” says Thompson, “because we were hopeful this would be a bit of a game changer for us.” If PRSD’s application had been successful, all self-identifying Indigenous students would have had extra supports. Now, the onus is on individual families to apply for Jordan’s Principle funding. Jordan’s Principal exists to fill gaps in services for First Nations and Inuit people under the age of majority, which may arise because of jurisdictional disputes between the federal and provincial governments. PRSD doesn’t know the number of families that have applied as individuals, says Kristin Dyck, PRSD communications coordinator. This is because the division isn’t involved in making these requests. “We do support families if they have specific educational needs that they are requesting through their individual (Jordan’s Principle) contracts,” adds Dyck. In Alberta, Jordan’s Principle applications for First Nation members are through First Nations Health Consortium (FNHC), which can be contacted through www.abfnhc.com or 1-844-588-8748. FNHC has staff to help with parents the free application. Inuit children receive support through the Inuit Child First Initiative. The Alberta Jordan’s Principle office of Indigenous Services Canada handle this and makes decisions about Jordan’s Principle applications. The number is 1-833-632-4453. Even without the extra money, PRSD is committed to providing quality education, says Thompson. He urges parents who think their child may need extra help to contact their school principal. The division can’t do the Jordan’s Principle application for the family, but may be able to help in other ways. Challenges PRSD hadn’t applied until this year because the application seemed “a monumental task,” says Thompson. However, this year the division had a new staff member who had been successful with a group application for another division. The February 10 announcement included criteria which may have existed before, says Thompson, but which hadn’t been communicated before the application process started and which hadn’t been required for successful applications in the past. “All reasonable criteria,” says Thompson, “but the shift from a looser interpretation of criteria to a much more stringent interpretation,” made the current application untenable for the division. Thompson mentions three criteria. The needs of each student in the application had to be confirmed by a professional such as a pediatrician, speech and language therapist. The division had to prove that it had used all of the money from other sources to try to address the need. The division also needed to have the treaty number of each student and signed permission from each parent for the application. The division has 3,000 students, says Thompson. The PRSD Jordan’s Principle application was for 850 self-identified students across the division, says Dyck. The division doesn’t have treaty numbers for students because its information on Indigenous status is based on self identification. Treaty numbers are important for the application because only registered (or eligible to be registered) First Nations and Inuit members are eligible, not self-identified or Métis students. The need to prove that all other sources of money have been exhausted makes sense on the surface, says Thompson, but on a technical level is basically impossible to prove for every student. The way the division read it was that “you’ve tapped out all of your resources and still haven’t met all their needs.” School divisions don’t make money, says Thompson. They are dependent on government grants. Usually, when a new grant comes along, the division jumps on it and applies. The goal of the PRSD application was to enhance the education for students, says Thompson. PRSD runs schools in Northern Alberta in and around Peace River. Thompson has been with the division since 2017 in various roles. During that time, he says, the school has had between 29 to 30 per cent self-identified Indigenous students. Red Earth Creek School has the highest percentage, with about 60 or 70 per cent Indigenous students. This school has around 100 students. The larger schools in Peace River and Grimshaw have lower percentages but more students. For example, Grimshaw Public School has about 500 students, of which 130 to 140 are Indigenous students. www.lakesideleader.com Regards, The Canadian Press Team Contact us at 1-800-268-8149 or help-aide@mycpnewspro.com Visit https://www.thecanadianpress.com/ for more services from Canada’s trusted news leader.
By Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader Peace River School Division says it has around 30 per cent Indigenous students. Some may receive additional education support through individual Jordan’s Principle grants. However, in the fall of 2024 the division applied for a group grant to support 850 self-identified Indigenous students through a division-wide program. The grant process stalled, with rumblings of changes over the winter. On February 10, Indigenous Services Canada sent a 10-page document with clarifications on criteria. Administration looked at the criteria, says Jeff Thompson, PRSD superintendent. There were a few that would be very difficult for the division to meet, so within a few days of receiving the letter, the division pulled the application. “We’re disappointed for sure,” says Thompson, “because we were hopeful this...
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SCAM ALERT: B.C. police warn of increase in scams targeting Indigenous businesses
PRINCE GEORGE B.C.-Mounties in Prince George, B.C., are warning about “a significant increase in high value” scams targeting Indigenous communities and businesses. They say fraudsters have swindled more than $3 million from North District communities over the past 15 months, and there is evidence to suggest such scams are happening across Canada. Police say the schemes are sophisticated and often involve scammers posing as victims, vendors, consultants, or contractors to gain access to business contacts and financial transaction records. The RCMP say it often includes creating fraudulent email accounts that closely resemble those of legitimate vendors or community organizations. They say the scammers then request or provide banking information updates, redirecting payments and asset transfers to accounts under their control. Police say they are “deeply concerned” about the financial and...
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University lifts ban on the singing of Newfoundland and Labrador’s official anthem
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Memorial University has lifted a ban on the singing of the “Ode to Newfoundland” at convocation ceremonies. The ban was imposed in 2022 as the university’s senate responded to complaints that the province’s official anthem omits Labrador, contains outdated language and does not reflect the “many communities” within the institution. At the time, then-university president Neil Bose said the decision was intended to “create safer and more welcoming spaces for all students.” The senate voted to reinstate the singing of the anthem late Tuesday after it was presented with a report from a committee that recommended the change following months of consultations. University president Jennifer Lokash issued a statement saying the song will be sung during convocation ceremonies scheduled for next month. She also issued an apology,...
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Poilievre promises to ban bail, parole and house arrest for repeat serious offenders
By Anja Karadeglija Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre insisted Wednesday that his promised three-strikes law wouldn’t run afoul of the Constitution, after several justice experts said some of his crime policies are likely to get struck down by the courts. Poilievre was campaigning in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. where he repeated his promise that a government led by him would make those convicted three times of “serious” offences ineligible for bail, probation, parole or house arrest. Those offenders also would be sentenced to a minimum prison term of 10 years and could get a life sentence. They could not “be released until they have proven that they are no longer a danger to society,” he said. “Under my watch, the only way for repeat offenders to obtain their freedom will be...
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Dry saloon keeps going amid challenges
By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal Howl at the Moon, Thunder Bay’s first dry saloon and late-night coffee bar, is celebrating its second anniversary by thanking all the organizations and patrons that supported the establishment that is vital for so many people. “We’re still here,” said Jody Loos, founder and owner of the dry bar. He said its success is because of organizations like Big Trout Lake First Nation, which has partnered with Loos by establishing a house tab at the coffee bar for its off-reserve members. Loos hopes the initiative will be inspirational for other First Nations to follow suit. Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, which is Ojibwa-Cree for Big Trout First Nation, developed the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Kikenjigewen Onaakonikewin (KIDO) KI Family Law to take over child and family...
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Watchdog investigates after Saskatchewan teen was hit by RCMP vehicle
A Saskatchewan teenager is in hospital after he was struck down by an RCMP vehicle on a First Nation north of Regina. Mounties say it happened while police responded to a “firearms-related call” on the Kawacatoose First Nation, roughly 130 kilometres north of Saskatchewan’s capital city. Police say one of the responding officers was driving down a grid road when he hit the teen near a rural home on the First Nation. The officer was not hurt but called an ambulance for the 16-year-old, who was airlifted to a hospital in Regina before being transferred to Saskatoon. RCMP say the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team will look into the collision and the boy’s injuries to determine if the officer should be charged. No other details are to be released until...
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Why tax literacy should be a national priority in Canada
By Esteban Vallejo Toledo, PhD Student in Law and Society, University of Victoria The last time Canada’s political parties campaigned during a tax season was more than a decade ago. This year, taxes are a hot topic, and for good reason. Shortly after the federal election was called, the political parties began rolling out promises of tax cuts to win over voters. At the same time, although Canada’s consumer carbon tax was scapped last month, debates about the industrial carbon tax are likely to continue. As the election campaign continues and political parties make more tax-related promises, approximately 3,520 tax clinics and 18,090 volunteers are doing their best to help people file their taxes until April 30. Some of the volunteers are struggling to help as many people as possible....
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Flooding April 5, 2025
Flooding April 5, 2025 saw the Grand River not only flow over her banks but across roadways on Six Nations with some of the worst flooding on Fourth Line at Mohawk Road. (Photo by Jim C.Powless)...
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Six Nations Councillor: a lifetime of local politics
By Lynda Powless Editor At 60, and heading into a new chapter, Helen Miller wasn’t ready to simply retire. Active, interested in community issues she stepped into politics with a political career that would span 21 years as a Six Nations Elected Councillor. In a freewheeling interview with Turtle Island News she talked about being a councillor. She had always followed Six Nations politics, attending community meetings, council sessions and staying alert to local issues. “I wrote a lot of letters to the editor on different issues. I just always had an interest in politics.” She went to public school at Six Nations before heading to Caledonia for ight school saying she got “a late start in life.” Married in 1962 and later divorced she was a single mom in...
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AFN: First Nations could decide outcome of 36 federal ridings
AFN identifies First Nations ridings that can shape the election By Joshua Santos Writer With a federal election looming the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has identified 36 federal ridings where First Nation voters could determine the outcome of Canada’s 45th federal election on April 28. “The federal election represents an important opportunity for each federal party to say how they intend to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the Crown and First Nations,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. In an interview with Turtle Island News, National Chief Nepinak said “Canada’s economic success and future stability depends on First Nations people being partners in decision making.” The AFN compared population data from the 2021 Census with Election Canada’s voting results from the 2021 federal election. The AFN...
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Measles Hangs in the Air as Hamilton Health Sounds Alarm
By Joshua Santos Writer Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) is sounding the alarm on measles prevention as cases rise in the region. The health authority said measles spreads through coughing or sneezing and can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Complications can include pneumonia or swelling of the brain, especially in young children, older adults, and those with weak immune systems. HHS states the best prevention is two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, such as the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children routinely receive two doses of MMR vaccine as part of Ontario’s...
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Voting patterns changing
There’s a federal election going on, in case there is any chance someone missed that little fact. With just three weeks left for Canada to decide who its newest Prime Minister is going to be. For First Nations, for perhaps one of the first times in electoral history, Indigenous issues are actually being heard on the election trail. That is the campaigns of the Liberals and Conservatives. Like the rest of the country we are still wondering what the NDP are doing? Meanwhile both have highlighted the need to work with First Nations, no plans on how that would happened but it is clear First Nations voters are becoming a focal point but whether their issues are is another question. First Nation leaders want to see a commitment to work...
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Today in history
April 6 In 1909, the North Pole was apparently reached by American Robert Peary. He began his sixth attempt to reach the Pole at Ellesmere Island, and was joined later by aide Mathew Henson and four Inuit. They spent nearly 30 hours at the spot scores of explorers had sought to reach. But Peary’s claim to be the first one there is still disputed. Another explorer, Dr. Frederick Cook, said he got there in 1908 but the U.S. Congress rejected his claim. April 7 In 2008, the federal government signed a deal with the Dene and Metis to create a national park around the headwaters of the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories. It would be called the Naats’ihch’oh National Park Reserve. April 9 In 2019, Prime Minister Justin...
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